Jobs are the crown jewel of political power. Labor intensive computer systems provide lucrative, justifiable work to be handed out to political supporters. Efficient computer systems don't vote.

Money often doesn't matter either. Many programs are funded by state or federal grants and local taxpayers don't blame local elected officials for state or federal taxes. If you cut your expenditures on externally funded programs, your grant will be reduced, and that looks bad.

Add to that the fact that most local agencies are managed by appointed officials who come and go and you've started to scratch the surface.